New certified nursing assistants graduate Browning training program

A public-private partnership led by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry graduated a cohort of 22 new certified nursing assistants in Browning in June.

The partnership, which included the Blackfeet Community College, Montana Health Network, Montana Area Health Education Center and other community stakeholders, launched the training program to address needs for health care workers in the Browning area and on the Blackfeet Reservation. The program brought together these partners to provide training, funding and employment opportunities for the new certified nursing assistants.

The training was conducted by Julie Russell of the Montana Health Network, Rayola Grant of the Blackfeet Community College and Lonna Crowder of the Montana Area Health Education Center. Need-based financial assistance was provided to participants to help cover the cost of attending.

“The CNA class held in Browning at the Blackfeet Community College was made possible by many partners working together, and that is what health care is all about. Working together for the good of those in need, and all Montana communities are in need of health care staff who can deliver high quality care”, said Julie Russell of the Montana Health Network.

At the end of training, 22 new certified nursing assistants were tested and certified, expanding the health care workforce in the Browning area. The graduates will help multiple health care facilities in the region meet workforce needs.

“Montana faces a shortage of skilled health care workers, and nowhere is that shortage more acute than in our rural, tribal and frontier communities,” said Laurie Esau, Montana’s Commissioner of Labor and Industry, in a statement. “These skilled, certified workers will make an immediate and valuable contribution serving patients in the Browning community.”

Graduates praised instructors for making themselves available to students.

"[Our instructor] was very knowledgeable and hands on, always made sure our work on paper and in the lab was very well done. I am wholeheartedly grateful for having such an awesome instructor," said graduate Lacee Carlson.

The project was spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Industry’s business engagement team. The group works with Montana industries and employers to develop workforce solutions and meet skilled labor needs. The department intends to use the success of the pilot program in Browning as a model for other similar training partnerships across Montana.

“By bringing together industry partners, stakeholders, educators and other community leaders, we can find innovative ways to upskill workers and help employers meet their workforce needs,” Esau said.